Cats follow us for a variety of reasons, and most of them are harmless. In fact, they just love being around! Cats follow us when they need attention, when they want petting, play or food. But if you think your kitty is too clingy, it’s time to find out why.
Why do cats follow their owners?
There are many reasons why cats follow us. Since they are not as expressive and direct as dogs, sometimes their behavior can seem like a puzzle. But, in fact, they are quite predictable! They often have a special reason for everything they do, and they love to do things that are familiar to them. The main reason your cat may follow you is attention and food, and a desire to check what you’re up to.
Is it normal for a cat to follow me everywhere?
The short answer is yes!
Cats follow their owners from room to room – this is normal. Cats are often considered loners, but in general they love to be around us. Although each has its own personality, they tend to love being around family. This means that they can spend time in the room you are in. More intrusive breeds like the Siamese or the Sphynx will follow you anywhere and everywhere.
Why is the cat following me? – Normal vs Abnormal Behavior
If a cat comes into your room, rubs against your leg, keeps circling around while you are doing your business, this is normal. But if you think: “My cat is too obsessive, I can’t do this anymore”, this is already a problem.
Here are some signs that your pet is overbearing:
- He not only follows you, but also interferes with your affairs (cooking, washing, working on a laptop).
- The cat constantly meows when he follows you (of course, some are just more talkative by nature, don’t forget that).
- If you close the door, the cat starts scratching like a man possessed. It can leave scratches on the door, walls or floor near the door.
- He constantly walks so close to you that it is impossible to pass without tripping over him.
- The cat engages in sabotage if not allowed into the room (for example, scratching furniture, tearing toys and paper, pushing objects off the table, etc.).
Why is my cat following me?
Out of curiosity
Cats are intelligent creatures and curiosity is no stranger to them. They are interested in what you do even in the bathroom. Especially there! Cats will follow you to see if you’re cooking dinner, watching TV, loading the laundry or doing yoga.
And they are often not satisfied with just following you, they need to participate. They will jump on the kitchen cabinet to see what you are cooking (or try to steal something for themselves). They will lie down on your lap, and they will also watch the screen. They will climb on your yoga mat, roll on it and purr. Sometimes cats even try to climb onto the owner during the exercise and balance.
Need attention
To people less familiar with feline habits, it may seem normal for them to be alone all day. They think that their kitty likes to sit on the windowsill all day or sleep in the couch. But still they are faithful and gentle animals, only they show it differently than dogs. Cats may enjoy looking out the window, but only when you’re not at home. And so they can do the same, but the main thing is that you are in the same room.
Even affectionate kitties may follow you, hoping that you will pet or scratch them. A cat looking for company will follow you, meow and rub against your legs. They can climb on you or jump on the table to be on the same level.
Due to fear or anxiety
Some cats don’t like being left alone. Maybe they’re worried about you leaving home, or they don’t like being a dog. And there are those who just feel vulnerable when you are not around.
Cats often find their loved ones a source of comfort. There are many reasons for this. First, you give them food. This means that you are a proven breadwinner that you can rely on in matters of survival. Secondly, if you have adopted a small kitten, he may consider you his family. Studies have shown that they bond with people like children. Perhaps the cat considers you his parent or brother or sister.
Food!
You may have noticed that your kitty is very curious about what is happening in the kitchen. The moment you even walk in that direction, she rushes after you. When you start cooking, she feverishly rubs against your legs, meows, looks into your eyes. Some brave cats may even jump onto a work surface or climb into a locker! It’s no secret – they are attracted to food.
Habitual routine
You have a routine: you take a shower in the morning, brush your teeth, eat breakfast, read. Cats have something similar too. Part of their routine is to be near the swami. Routine is what calms them down. If they are used to following you to the bathroom and getting tangled in your pants since childhood, they may continue this into adulthood.
How to stop a cat from chasing you
If she’s curious
Perhaps you are the most interesting thing in the house. Some cats are even interested in watching you make the bed. You can not only look at this, but also intervene in the process. How to resist the temptation to nestle under freshly laundered sheets or climb onto a clean pillow?
If you suspect that your cat is just bored and is looking for you to have fun, try giving her more toys. Because they sleep so much, people assume that cats don’t need toys or activity, but that’s not the case at all. Set aside time for games. Buy more toys so your pet can have fun when you’re not around.
If you think it’s more about curiosity than boredom, buy cat trees. The kitty will be able to climb up and watch you from this position. A place at a height will give her a sense of security and confidence, and she will not follow you on your heels.
If he needs attention
If the cat is lonely and looking for attention, she may start following you. You may notice that she may mew at night looking for attention in empty rooms. Cats may become more intrusive if you’ve recently returned from work or a long trip.
Set aside time for your pet every day. It can be stroking in the morning before feeding or caress before bedtime. When you return home, do not forget to hug the kitty. So it does not start spinning underfoot during cooking.
If your pet is scared or anxious
If your cat follows you from room to room, it may be separation anxiety. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms:
- Constant meowing
- Tray problems
- Vomit
- Changing eating habits
- Obsessive scratching and damage to things
With such problems, it may be necessary for a veterinarian to properly assess the pet’s emotions. You can try adding CBD oil to your pet’s food. This promotes calmness and relaxation.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which controls the balance of their mind and body. The endocannabinoid system is full of receptors that CBD oil interacts with. This interaction can relieve tension and make you feel much calmer. And this will reduce the cat’s need to pester you.
If the cat wants food!
It’s easy to just take and give in if the cat wants food. Sometimes they are just obsessive. Sometimes it is difficult to resist their sad eyes and piercing meow. But this is wrong. Set a feeding schedule, such as every morning at 9 am. Be sure to give food every day at this time. You can even split this meal: give half in the morning and half in the evening.
If your cat asks for food at other times of the day, ignore her requests. Remember: she’s not really hungry! And, perhaps even more important, never give her human food, no matter how plaintively she asks. After a while, your cat will take the hint.
Unlike dogs, most cats can’t be taught to sit in a certain spot while you’re eating, or told not to meow when you’re in the kitchen. But what can really help is an automatic feeder. Instead of relying on you every morning, your kitty will begin to understand that the feeder turns on by itself. This will make it less likely that you will be followed all morning.
If the animal has a clear schedule
This is also related to the previous tip. Cats love a routine and get stressed when it gets broken. But if you create a new schedule, she will have to focus on it.
If your cat follows you to the bathroom all the time, try petting her outside the door. Play with her for a bit, and then go into the room. Do not let the cat in, and when you go out, give her a treat. The kitty will quickly realize that it is much more pleasant this way: to wait outside the door and get a treat.
If my cat is very obsessive, should I go to the vet?
Cats may have evolved from predators, but they are used to living with people. Most people like to be around – just sharing the same space with you or snuggle up to you at night.
But if it seems to you that your cat is nervous, stressed, upset, anxious, angry or afraid, then you have a bigger problem than excessive love. Contact your veterinarian if your pet’s behavior changes.
He will be able to tell if there are behavioral problems and prescribe treatment.
Conclusion
Cats follow us because they love us. They love being with us, they love being a part of what we do. They like to attract attention and snuggle up to their owners. But if a cat follows you around to the point where you can’t work or eat without being distracted, you may need to pay attention to her behavior, no matter how cute. Luckily, there are many ways to make your pet feel loved without constant contact!